HR Over Coffee

Welcome to HR Over Coffee, a blog and video series from the experts at HR360, where you will learn how to effectively hire, manage and terminate employees.

The most important tasks in conducting job interviews are preparing questions and evaluating candidates' answers. However, there are other key things you can do to ensure a successful interview process.

First, create a comfortable environment for the candidate…

Conduct the interview in a neat, quiet area such as an office or conference room

Offer the candidate a beverage

Minimize distractions-- that means not taking or responding to calls, emails or texts

This small show of consideration presents you and your company in a positive light.

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When you meet the candidate...

Have a friendly demeanor to put him or her at ease

Be careful about engaging in small talk which could lead to potentially discriminatory questions... asking a candidate where they were born, for example, should be avoided.

During the interview...

Show your attentiveness through nonverbal gestures such as smiling or nodding your head

Ask the candidate questions to help you evaluate his/her qualifications for the job

Be prepared to discuss responsibilities and functions of the job

Closing the interview...

Give the candidate an opportunity to ask final questions

Provide a timeframe for getting back in touch regarding next steps

Thank the candidate for his or her interest in the job and your company

A successful interview allows the employer to obtain as much information as possible about an applicant's potential to perform the duties of a particular position. Use our 'Sample Interview Guide' below as a starting point to help conduct effective interviews.